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"I do not think I can accept, Aunt. Truly, I do not understand why he offered me the position when he clearly despises me. He did not speak to me for nearly half an hour," Elizabeth said, indignantly.

"Lizzy, I never saw Mr. Darcy talk much," Jane said, attempting to encourage her sister. "But if you do not wish to work for that family, then do not do it. Mrs. Smith has offered me a good salary, and I do not think you need to work."

"Besides, Lizzy, you must remember that, in Mr. Darcy's eyes, you now work for him. That may be why he feels no need to socialise with you."

"You are right about that, Aunt. If, when I was the daughter of his friend's neighbour, he barely spoke to me, now that he considers me his servant, he has even less reason to do so.

Tomorrow, I shall send a note to the Countess and ask my uncle to inform Mr. Darcy that I have received an offer to work in London and prefer to remain closer to my family," Elizabeth said.

"Is that true, Lizzy?" Mr. Gardiner asked as he entered the room.

"No, uncle, but we cannot tell those people that I do not want to work for the Darcys because the Master of Pemberley is pompous and conceited," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"If you intend to work, Lizzy, I do not believe anyone could make you a better offer.

" Mr. Gardiner explained to Elizabeth the salary she would receive, as well as the number of vacation days she would be entitled to take to visit her family.

"Mr. Darcy even explained that, should you wish, you may participate in the lessons Miss Darcy receives from her French, painting, piano, and literature instructors. "

"That is a great deal of money! I never imagined I could earn such a sum!

" Elizabeth knew she could not refuse such an offer.

After a few years of work and saving, she might secure a future for herself and her sisters, should they not marry.

Though she wished to reject the offer, she knew she could not turn away such an opportunity.

"Mr. Darcy wishes for a reply tomorrow morning. What shall I tell him, Lizzy?"

"Tell him I accept, uncle," Elizabeth said with resignation.

"Well, today has been a most intense day. In two days, Jane departs, and Lizzy next week. How about we talk about anything but the coming days?" said Mrs. Gardiner to lift her nieces' spirits.

"An excellent idea!" Mr. Gardiner added. He and his wife felt deeply saddened by their beloved nieces' situation and frustrated that they were unable to do more.

After a lovely dinner, Elizabeth and Jane retired for the night. Although both struggled to fall asleep, they did not speak to one another as they usually did.

Jane thought of Elizabeth going to live in the North, far from her family. She knew she must be strong and show no weakness. Her goal was to find a solution for her family, and she could not waste time in tears or lamentation.

For her part, Elizabeth wondered what life with the Darcys would be like. She had not failed to notice that Mr. Darcy wanted her to join his sister's lessons. It seemed to her just another way to remind her how deficient she was, and how far she stood from being an accomplished woman.

"Good night, Lizzy."

"Good night, Jane."

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy had gone to the club to clear his mind.

In a few days, he would depart for Derbyshire, but before leaving, he had agreed to meet his friend Bingley there.

He was still undecided about whether to mention the Bennet family's current circumstances and the fact that Jane Bennet was now in London with her uncle.

Louisa and Caroline had informed him that Jane had visited them and that they had decided not to tell their brother.

Therefore, Mr. Darcy resolved to remain silent and delay revealing the truth for a few more months.

For the moment, it was better that Mr. Bingley knew nothing, so he would not feel compelled to make a hasty decision. Mr. Darcy knew his friend fell in love easily and that, in a few months, he would likely be courting another charming young lady.

"Darcy, how are you?" Andrew said to his former university classmate.

"Taylor—or should I say Lord Norton?" replied Mr. Darcy.

"We need not be so formal. Besides, this title came to me in a most painful manner," Andrew replied.

"I am truly sorry; I understand how difficult it is to lose someone you love and esteem." Mr. Darcy invited his friend to sit and converse for a while.

The gentlemen spoke for several minutes about their lives and future plans. Although they had never been close friends, Andrew and Mr. Darcy had always been cordial, even members of the same study group.

"The last six months have been particularly difficult, Darcy. Along with the grief of losing my brother, I have had to take on all the family responsibilities and learn how to manage the estate."

"I completely understand what you are going through; I faced the same when my father passed away," Mr. Darcy added.

"I remember, and you were quite young then," Andrew said.

"In addition to the family affairs, I had to care for my sister, who was only ten at the time."

"I hope I can do the same for my nieces. They are the living memory of my brother and the only family I have left. They are more important than the money or the title."

Mr. Bingley saw his friend speaking with a well-dressed gentleman and approached to join the conversation.

"Good afternoon, Darcy. I am very pleased to see you again."

"Bingley, it is good to see you too," said Mr. Darcy. He then introduced the two gentlemen.

"Well, I hope you will excuse me, but I must go to my aunt's house. I need to speak with her about some urgent matters. It was a pleasure to see you, Darcy, and to meet you..."

"The pleasure was all mine, Lord Norton," replied Mr. Bingley cheerfully.

"I hope to see you again soon," replied Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy continued discussing fencing and other topics for several minutes, avoiding more personal subjects. Still, Mr. Bingley could not help but make remarks that made Mr. Darcy quite uncomfortable.

"Darcy… I do not know why, but I miss the days I spent in Hertfordshire. Besides, I am beginning to question whether it was wise to leave Netherfield. I wish to learn how to manage an estate and—"

"Bingley, I have nothing new to add on that subject.

As I mentioned in the note I sent you, Georgiana and I shall leave for Pemberley at the end of this week, and I intend to remain there until the beginning of spring.

After that, I must travel to Kent for three weeks.

I am sorry, but I cannot assist you with your predicaments, as I have many matters to attend to. "

"I see. Do not worry. I believe my sisters are right, and I should remain in London for the season. There are always interesting things to do here. Darcy… I cannot lie to you—I do not miss Netherfield or Hertfordshire, but I do miss Miss Bennet. I hope she and her family are well."

Mr. Darcy could not help but feel very uneasy. He was not lying, for his friend had not asked any direct questions, yet he was well aware that he was withholding crucial information. "Bingley, I must take my leave."

"I understand. I suppose we shall not see each other for many months, so I wish you success in all your endeavours, dear friend."

"Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the season, Bingley. I trust we shall see each other in the spring."

Mr. Darcy departed, and Mr. Bingley remained a few minutes longer, deep in thought. For reasons he could not comprehend, he found himself unable to stop thinking about his beloved angel—Jane Bennet.

◆◆◆

Jane had been living at Mrs. Smith's house for a week. The lady was elegant, cultured, and kind-hearted—very much like her aunt Gardiner. Jane believed that was why they had become such good friends.

There was not much to do at Mrs. Smith's residence, and Jane had the opportunity to read several interesting books and learn a little more about the management of a household.

She was particularly excited because Mrs. Smith had organized a dinner for several friends, and from what she understood, some of the single gentlemen in attendance were acquaintances of her nephew.

From what Jane had gathered, Lord Norton had recently assumed his title and the management of the family estate after his brother's tragic death.

Prior to that, he had overseen his Aunt Amelia's business affairs and moved primarily in commercial circles.

The young Baron had visited his aunt twice, and although he had been cordial with her, he always appeared nervous or preoccupied.

That afternoon was less cold than the preceding days, and Jane went for a walk in the house's beautiful garden.

She felt a touch of melancholy, for she had said goodbye to Elizabeth the day before and did not know when she might see her again.

After walking for some time, she sat on a bench beneath the study window, hoping to enjoy the sun for a few minutes.

Jane leaned her head against the wall to rest, but she could not relax.

Without intending to, she overheard a conversation between Mrs. Smith and Lord Norton.

Although she knew she ought not to listen, the subject was too important to ignore.

"Andrew, what did you think of Jane? She is a lovely girl, and very pretty, do you not agree?" Mrs. Smith asked.

"Yes, Aunt, Miss Bennet is very pretty—more so than I would have liked," replied Andrew.

Upon seeing his aunt's bewildered expression, he added, "I would have preferred someone who would not attract so much attention.

But I must admit that she seems to possess a good heart—at least on the surface.

Yet I trust your judgment in such matters. "

"Nephew, you have visited this house twice, and you have not even spoken to her.

You must speak with Jane, Andrew. You cannot expect her to accept you if you do not make the slightest effort to show some interest. That is precisely why I organized this dinner.

Perhaps in a more relaxed atmosphere, you will feel more comfortable and be able to approach her. "

"I appreciate your efforts, Aunt, truly. But it is not easy to approach a lady with the intention of proposing a marriage of convenience. I understand that a young woman in her circumstances may not have many options, but neither is it easy for me..."

The conversation in the study continued for several more minutes.

Once Jane had heard all she needed to know, she quietly stepped away from the window and returned to her room.

The young Baron needed a wife to reclaim guardianship of his nieces, and she needed a husband to protect her sisters.

Perhaps this was the great opportunity she had so long awaited.

◆◆◆

After several days of travel, Elizabeth felt quite tired and missed her family and home more than ever. At the very least, Miss Darcy was kind, and Mr. Darcy spoke to her only as much as was necessary—which was preferable to enduring his pompous remarks or criticism.

"Miss Bennet, if you look that way, you will see Pemberley," Georgiana said with a smile.

Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked in the direction Georgiana was pointing. Through the carriage window, she saw a magnificent mansion set amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes she had ever beheld. "Your home is very beautiful, Miss Darcy."

Mr. Darcy could not help but watch Elizabeth, whose eyes lit up as she gazed at Pemberley. He could not explain why the sight of her expression brought him such joy. For several minutes, he questioned whether it had truly been wise to follow his aunt's advice and employ her.